The effect of macadamia nut oil on the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
School Name
Spring Valley High School
Grade Level
10th Grade
Presentation Topic
Microbiology
Presentation Type
Non-Mentored
Abstract
The growing interest in natural, bio-based materials has led to the exploration of their potential in various applications, including microbial growth promotion. This study investigates the effects of macadamia nut oil, with its fatty acids and antioxidant properties, on the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism for gut health. The hypothesis was that macadamia nut oil would enhance yeast growth due to its beneficial components. To test this, solutions of macadamia nut oil were prepared by diluting the oil in a 10% ethanol solution, and yeast growth was measured using a spectrophotometer after 24 hours. The results indicated that yeast growth was significantly increased with the addition of 50 mL and 100 mL concentrations of macadamia nut oil, though the growth was inconsistent across trials, especially with the higher concentration. The results suggest that macadamia nut oil may support yeast growth, since with more macadamia nut oil added to the solution, the more absorbance occurred meaning that the yeast grew. The control group had the lowest mean absorbance (0.2292). Group 1 had the largest mean absorbance (1.0239) and Group 2 had a lower mean absorbance than Group 1 (0.6711). Statistical analysis confirmed that there were significant differences between each group (p < 0.001). This research could contribute to the development of macadamia nut oil-based treatments for gut health, particularly in promoting beneficial microbiota growth.
Recommended Citation
Peddireddy, Yashas, "The effect of macadamia nut oil on the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae" (2025). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 101.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2025/all/101
Location
PENNY 311
Start Date
4-5-2025 11:15 AM
Presentation Format
Oral and Written
Group Project
No
The effect of macadamia nut oil on the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
PENNY 311
The growing interest in natural, bio-based materials has led to the exploration of their potential in various applications, including microbial growth promotion. This study investigates the effects of macadamia nut oil, with its fatty acids and antioxidant properties, on the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism for gut health. The hypothesis was that macadamia nut oil would enhance yeast growth due to its beneficial components. To test this, solutions of macadamia nut oil were prepared by diluting the oil in a 10% ethanol solution, and yeast growth was measured using a spectrophotometer after 24 hours. The results indicated that yeast growth was significantly increased with the addition of 50 mL and 100 mL concentrations of macadamia nut oil, though the growth was inconsistent across trials, especially with the higher concentration. The results suggest that macadamia nut oil may support yeast growth, since with more macadamia nut oil added to the solution, the more absorbance occurred meaning that the yeast grew. The control group had the lowest mean absorbance (0.2292). Group 1 had the largest mean absorbance (1.0239) and Group 2 had a lower mean absorbance than Group 1 (0.6711). Statistical analysis confirmed that there were significant differences between each group (p < 0.001). This research could contribute to the development of macadamia nut oil-based treatments for gut health, particularly in promoting beneficial microbiota growth.
